Appeal court tosses Obama birthplace challenge

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal appeals court has tossed out a lawsuit challenging President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship and his eligibility to serve as commander in chief.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that none of the challengers had legal standing to file the lawsuit on Jan. 20, 2009, the day Obama was inaugurated. The unanimous three-judge panel cited various reasons for disqualifying six sets of plaintiffs, who included Obama's political rivals, taxpayers and military personnel.

It's the latest legal setback for the so-called birther movement, which has filed multiple lawsuits, so far with no success.

The U.S. Constitution says only "a natural born citizen" may serve as president. The challengers allege that Obama was born in Kenya, rather than Hawaii. They claim his Hawaii birth certificate is a forgery.